Chiefs vs. Texans Recap: Earning Their Arrowheads

Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) celebrates after sacking Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 Kansas City Chiefs are the first team to start the season 7-0 after being 2-14 the previous season. The Chiefs are the only remaining undefeated team in the league. If the season ended tomorrow, the road to the Superbowl would go right through One Arrowhead Drive, Kansas City, Missouri.

While there is a 53-man roster of players, a host of coaches and support personnel and over 76,000 screaming fans at Arrowhead that helped the Chiefs get to this point, we’re here to pick out three players that contributed the most to the Chiefs seventh win of the season over the Houston Texans Sunday afternoon.

Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) is tackled by Houston Texans free safety Shiloh Keo (31) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Arrowhead No. 3: Dwayne Bowe, WR

At the beginning of the season, Bowe told us all he would be lighting up the scoreboard and would lead the league in receptions and touchdowns. While Nostradameus he is not, Bowe has done what he can to aid his teammates in this 7-0 start. That includes his downfield blocking ability.

With the Chiefs backed up on a third down and 21, Alex Smith threw a WR screen to Dexter McCluster. With plenty of blockers our front, including Bowe, the real “DMC” took off. When it looked as if McCluster would be run out of bounds, Bowe used his big body and took out not one, but both defenders with a huge block, breaking the diminutive Chiefs receiver free and allowing him to pick up 43 yards and the first down.

Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) forces a fumble by sacking Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Arrowhead No. 2: Tamba Hali, OLB

The Chiefs defense got a slow start against the Texans, but turned up the heat in the second half. When it mattered most, Hali got to the quarterback. He recorded 2.5 sacks on the day, and two of those sacks were sack/strips where he forced a fumble on the play.

The most game changing sack/strip came with just 1:41 remaining in the game. Hali found Texans quarterback, Case Keenum in the backfield, forcing the ball from his hands and ending all hope for a  Houston game winning drive.

Arrowhead No. 1: Marcus Cooper

Though the defensive secondary has played better games, there was one play in particular where I believe Cooper’s name warrants being called – again.

With 9:32 left in the third quarter, Keenum fired a shot to rookie Deandre Hopkins on a third and goal situation. Cooper was in coverage and it appeared he was beat, as Hopkins caught the ball for an apparent touchdown. But, just before Hopkins could establish control of the ball, Cooper turned around and swatted the ball from his hands, stalling the drive and forcing the Texans to kick a field goal.

This was a game changer, and proof again that Marcus Cooper is playing ball beyond his years.

In a game that was “grity” but hard fought, there were several players who could have gotten Arrowheads. These were the three I saw. What do you think, Addicts? Who gets your Arrowheads for Sunday’s performance? Sound off below!